[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 66 (Thursday, May 21, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S5353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEN'S ICE HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the 
University of Michigan hockey team on their 1998 NCAA Championship--The 
Wolverines' second hockey title in three years.
  On Saturday, April 4th, the Michigan hockey team defeated Boston 
College (3-2) in overtime for the championship. This is a remarkable 
achievement for a team which lost nine senior players from last year's 
team, including the Hobey Baker trophy winner and 5 players who each 
scored 20 or more goals in the season. The 1997-98 Michigan team 
featured 10 freshmen, one of whom scored two goals in the final game, 
and another who scored the winning goal in overtime in the championship 
game.
  When the 1997-98 season started, it was expected to be a rebuilding 
year for the Wolverines. The young team faced a difficult season 
against some of the toughest teams in the nation. Instead, the Michigan 
team earned a 34-11-1 record, seizing every chance to display their 
athleticism, sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance.
  The University of Michigan ice hockey players have always been among 
the ``leaders and best.'' As the Wolverines celebrate this year's 
victory, they also commemorate the anniversary of their first NCAA 
title fifty years ago, when the tournament began. In the last 50 years, 
the Wolverines have brought nine championship titles back to Ann Arbor, 
making them the winningest team in NCAA men's ice hockey history.
  The ``Victors'' are indebted to the strong leadership they have from 
Head Coach Red Berenson and players, Captain Matt Herr and Assistant 
Captains Bill Muckalt and Marty Turco. These three seniors, along with 
Chris Fox and Gregg Malicke, advanced to the Final Four four seasons in 
a row. In addition, senior Bill Muckalt was named a Hobey Baker award 
candidate and All-American player, and senior goaltender Marty Turco 
finished his college career with one of the most impressive records in 
college hockey. The goalie's four years at Michigan gave him a record 
of 127 career victories and nine victories in NCAA elimination games, 
making him the winningest goaltender in NCAA tournament history. Turco 
was also selected most valuable player in the Final Four after stopping 
28 shots in the championship game.
  I extend my best wishes to the University of Michigan Men's Ice 
Hockey Team on a tremendous season and the 1998 NCAA Championship--Go 
Blue!

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